🔍 What Are Corneal Ulcers?

A corneal ulcer (ulcerative keratitis) is a loss of corneal epithelium—and possibly deeper stroma—due to trauma, infection, or disease :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

⚠️ Causes & Risk Factors

• Trauma: scratches, foreign bodies, rubbing, chemical exposure :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
• FHV‑1 infection: dendritic ulcers, delayed healing :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
• Bacterial or fungal invasion: especially in deeper or melting ulcers :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
• Dry eye, eyelid disease, metabolic issues: keratoconjunctivitis sicca, entropion, systemic illness :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.

🚩 Signs to Look For

• Squinting, blinking, blepharospasm, photophobia :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
• Tearing, discharge, redness, cloudy cornea, eye rubbing :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
• Painful deep ulcers may cause ulcer crater or vascularisation :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.

🔬 Diagnostic Approach

• Ocular exam & history: trauma or illness triggers :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
• Fluorescein stain: identifies epithelial defects, depth of ulcer :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
• Schirmer tear test & tonometry: check tear production and intraocular pressure :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
• Cytology/Culture: in deep or infected ulcers to guide antibiotics :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.

🛠️ Treatment & Management

1. Medical Therapy

• Topical antibiotics: essential even in superficial ulcers :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
• Antivirals: topical (cidofovir, idoxuridine) or oral for FHV‑1; L‑lysine use is controversial :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.
• Pain relief: atropine drops for ciliary spasm, oral analgesics as needed :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
• Serum drops: autologous serum promotes healing in deep ulcers :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.
• Collagenase inhibitors: e.g. acetylcysteine in melting ulcers :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.

2. Prevent Self-Trauma

• Elizabethan collar until healed :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}.

3. Surgical Intervention

• Conjunctival grafts/flaps: for deep or non-healing ulcers :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}.
• Soft contact lenses: protect epithelium in superficial or melting ulcers :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}.

🏡 Home Care & Ongoing Support

• Administer drops and meds on schedule—use **Ask A Vet** for reminders.
• Clean eyes gently with saline; ensure comfy, low‑dust areas with **Woopf** & **Purrz** bedding.
• Avoid irritants (smoke, fragrances); keep cat indoors to reduce re-injury.
• Monitor healing, pain, appetite and behavior; report worsening or no improvement.

📅 Prognosis & Follow-Up

• Superficial ulcers: typically heal in 7–10 days with treatment :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}.
• Deep or melting ulcers: require close follow-up and possible surgery; risk of scarring or perforation :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}.
• FHV‑1 cases: prone to recurrence; stress management, hygiene, and antivirals help :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}.
• Regular rechecks until full epithelial closure; advanced imaging or specialist referral if needed.

📝 Quick Reference Table